We arrived at the tent and started packing our stuff. It was too silent, but peaceful, and I sighed in contentment. I ate some berries and was allowed to rest, while Liam continued being his usual scary, cold self. I still can't forget that ice-cold glare that sent shivers down my spine, his gaze alone could murder the strongest of souls.
The berries weren't enough to quench the fire of my hunger, but they tamed it, and that was good enough, at least I had something to eat. I thought of the children in my village who had nothing, no food, no roof, nothing. They would beg for scraps while the rich villagers sneered at them, treating them like they weren't even human and if the wealthy did help, it was only to show off their generosity and earn social status. Those poor children had no warmth when the rains poured, no food when hunger clawed at their stomachs. Looking back, I wish I could have helped, not for the approval of society but just to see their beautiful smiles but I can't even feed myself, let alone a village of starving kids.
I was pulled from my thoughts when Liam muttered something about getting ready. We left our spot and passed through the towering trees when, suddenly, we had to stop. I wanted to ask why, but the sight ahead stole the words from my mouth. A pack of wolves stood in front of us, baring their sharp teeth.
Liam dismounted from his Racunie, and I could swear I saw him smirk.
Is this guy nuts? We're surrounded by wolves, and he's smirking? Someone needs to book this man a therapy session.
He walked toward the wolves, looking as relaxed as someone heading for a casual stroll.
"Has venido a saludarnos en paz?" he asked lazily.
"Show-off". I muttered under my breath. He looked so damn bored, like he was hoping for something more fun to do.
The wolves howled in response, and Liam's lips curled into a smile.
"Muy bien entonces," he said, pulling out a black and gold sword from thin air, just great, the wolves clearly wanted a fight but before he could do anything, another howl echoed through the air, and the wolves parted.
A massive wolf, bigger than a bear, with red fur stepped forward. Beside it was a familiar white wolf, the same one I had helped. My heart skipped a beat. I clutched onto the Racunie's horn as the white wolf trotted past Liam and stopped in front of me, nudging my leg with its nose. I giggled, and Liam shot me a glare.
"Thank you," I whispered. The wolf nodded before retreating to the red-furred giant, and together, they vanished into the woods, the other wolves followed
Liam scoffed, and mounted on his Racunie and we continued our journey, though I could feel his glares stabbing me the entire way. We stopped to rest occasionally, but once we entered another land, we pressed on for days without stopping.
After two days of continuous riding, every inch of my body was sore. I groaned and finally spoke up.
"I am feeling sore. We need to rest."
"We can't," Liam mumbled.
"Well, you can't, but I can." I argued and stopped my Racunie.
Liam turned around, looking irritated. "We're in the desert, the land of sandworms. They're deadlier than snakes, and trust me, you don't want to be their next meal."
Can nothing be normal in this messed-up realm?
"Well, I'm tired, and I can't keep going," I huffed, sliding off my Racunie. I stroked its mane, and it let out a soft coo. "I'm setting up my tent here, you can go on ahead, you've been looking for ways to ditch me, and this is your golden opportunity." I said, splitting the food supplies.
Liam grabbed my arm. "What do you think you're doing?"
"Surviving." I scoffed.
"Nothing gets through that thick skull of yours, does it?"
"No," I shot back.
"You can't survive here alone."
I scoffed and ignored him.
"You haven't changed a bit," he sighed.
"You hate me, and you don't know shit about me!" I snapped. I turned away and started setting up my tent. I was surprised he didn't argue back, which was kind of annoying because I was prepared for a full-blown fight. Instead, we worked in silence.